[24] Number of Kosovars coming to Albania in past 24 hours has been small -
Minister

[01] Albanian Government denounces escalation of military actions by FRY
against Albania

TIRANE, April 12 (ATA)-The Council of Ministers met Sunday at 21.30,
under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, and discussed the
latest escalation of Serb military actions, especially those of today,
according to the Ministry of Information.

At the end of the meeting the government issued the following
statement:

The Government of the Republic of Albania strongly denounces the
dangerous escalation of the military actions launched recently from
territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)
against territory of the Republic of Albania.

Today, on April 11,1999, at around 18 00, as a result of the Yugoslav
forces' heavy artillery attacks on the village of Tropoje e Vjeter of
Tropoje district, three Albanian citizens were killed and 12 wounded, some
of whom are in serious condition.

The Albanian Government considers this unprecedented act a grave
violation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Albania.

After attempts to destabilise the neighbouring countries through
deportation of a large flux of refugees, the criminal regime of Belgrade is
now switching over to open military actions, such as the latest one against
Albania. These actions are part of Milosevic's regime to detabilise the
Balkans and the entire Europe.

The Albanian government warns that any attempt to realise this
sinister plan, will but near the inevitable end of the Belgrade regime. The
Albanian people and their armed forces are ready to face any military
aggression that may be launched against the Republic of Albania.

Considering this latest aggressive act of the FRY against the
Republic of Albania, the Abanian government is taking all the necessary
measures to guarantee the security and inviolability of the country's
territory.

Of this grave event the Albanian Government has informed its Euro-
Atlantic allies with which it shares the concern and commitment to peace
and stability in the region. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

DURRES, April 12 (ATA) - By G.Kabashi: The humanitarian aid accorded
by the Italian government for the displaced Kosovars continues to arrive in
Albania. This aid is carried out in the framework of "Rain-bow" operation.

The warship "San Giorgio", charged with aids for the displaced
Kosovars arrived in Durres port on Monday at 07.45 a.m.

The spokesman of coordination center of this operation told ATA that
this aid consists in 12 containers with food items, cloths and health
materials, 11 generators used to produce electric energy, 10 vehicles of
the Red Cross and Civil Protection and others.

On board of the ship were also 35 volunteers from the Red Cross. A
part of them are to go in Kavaje camp while 35 others left for the city of
Kukes.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ATA) - By Ornela Kadaifçiu: The situation created
in Albania due to the influx of coming Kosovars has affected the selling of
books in Tirane libraries.

Book sellers say that such a drastic fall in the numbers of books
sold is not even encountered during the riots of 1997.

A survey made in several libraries of the capital shows that more
preferred were the philosophic, historic and especially the political
books. The following is the qualification list of most preferred books of
outgoing week:

1- "Balkan's history", written by Georges Castellan, and published by
the Publishing House "Çabej", The work is translated by the scholar Arben
Puto and Luan Omari, and it describes the history of Balkan during the last
six centuries.

Castellan is a history pedagogue in the Institution of Languages an
Civilization of Eastern Countries.

2- "Return in diversity" written by Joseph Rothscild, published by
the Publishing House "Onufri", and sponsored by "Soros" foundation in the
framework of the cycle of books "Books for an open society" it is
translated into Albania by Virgjil Muçi. It unfolds the political history
of Eastern and Central Europe from the Second World War since nowadays.

3- "Historical Biography", written by Tomm Pejn, and published by the
Publishing House "Argeta LMG". The book presents the historical biography
of the Second World War. The book is translated in Albania by Vasil
Ghymshanaj. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ATA) - By Enkelejda Riza: Children and adults are
the main clients in the video shops in the capital A survey made in
Tirane video shops shows that the most preferred video film is the film
"Mimic". The main actors are Mira Sorvino and Jeremy Northom.

The comic film "Flubber" is listed in the second place of the
qualification list of the most preferred books of the outgoing week.

Another preferred film is the film "Double team", with the main
protagonist the distinguished actor Steven Seagel. The film treats the
patriotism of an American doctor.

"Leather weapon", with the participation of Mel Gibson, Donny Glover,
and Rene Russo is listed at the end of the qualification list. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ATA) - By R.Xhuvani: The Finnish Red Cross are to
bring in Albania equipments for two health centers for the displaced
Kosovars arriving in Albania, together with a personnel of 15 people.
According to a press release of this organization, these aids are
accompanied by the Secretary General of the Finnish Red Cross, Markku
Niskala and the Chief of the Directory of Aids for the Foreign Countries,
Kalle Lëëvi.

The health center is made up of the ambulatory health service,
obstetric and consultation "The mother and the child" are to be installed
in Kukes, where are settled the majority part of the displaced Kosovars.

The same source said that the Labor Minister of Finland, Liisa
Jaakonsaari, by giving explanations on the decision of the Finnish
government regarding the refugee settling, declared that Finland is ready
to welcome 1000 people, if such a thing will be asked by the UN Commission
for Refugees. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

SARANDA, April 12 (ATA) - By Sh. Hajno: A meeting was held
recently in the Greek island of Corfu between the border police of Saranda
and Corfu.

"The minimization of illegal traffics of emigrants in the sea space
of the Ionian sea was considered as a positive step in this meeting," the
chief of the police commissariat in Saranda, Edmond Kule, told ATA.

According to this source, the patrolling of the sea space of 70 km
with units of Greek and Albanian police was asked to also continue in the
future.

The cooperation between the Albanian and Greek police started in
autumn of 1997 after signing in Ioannina an agreement from the then
Ministers of Order of both countries, Nertian Ceka and Jorgos Romeos.
/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANA, April 12 (ATA) - By M. Malja: Some 100 Kosovars from
Peje entered Monday the border checking of Han i Hotit in the district of
Malesi e Madhe, 15 km far from Koplik.

The official of the office for the reception of displaced Kosovars
close to the town hall, Esma Boksi, told ATA that the refugees have been
accommodated in the collection center of sports hall of the city.

Nearly 6200 Kosovars have crossed this border checking over the last
10 days. Most of them have been distributed towards other towns of the
country. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

DURRES, April 12 (ATA) - By G. Kabashi: The French navy ship
"L'Orage" arrived Monday in the sea port of Durres. It had started five
days ago from the port of Toulon.

This navy ship brought logistic materials for the establishment of a
staff of NATO troops in Albania.

Some 230 military men and French volunteers of the civil defence also
arrived by "L'Orage."

Nearly four hours before, the Italian navy ship "San Giorgio" arrived
in the port of Durres, which brought humanitarian relief for the exiled
Kosovars in the framework of the humanitarian operation of the Italian
Government "Ylberi." /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

SHKODER, April 12 (ATA) - By M. Malja: The construction of two
camps for the displaced Kosovars started Monday in the town of Shkoder.

The spokesman of the prefecture told ATA that the Austrian and the
German governments have started to build in the village of Shtoj, 2 km far
from the town, two big camps for the accommodation of refugees.

Both camps will have canteens, health centers and five persons will
be sheltered in each tent. In these cams will be accommodated the refugees
who are actually staying in the collection center of the sports hall and
those who are in the families of Shkoder.

Actually, the number of Kosovars in Shkoder is estimated at 12 000
persons. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ATA) - By Enkeleida Riza: "Best alternative"
continues to be in the lead of the classification among the best sold
albums in Tirane. "Best Alternative" is a musical album with the best songs
of alternative music recorded in the studios of the private radio "Top
Albania Radio."

Meanwhile, a new album has been introduced this week "Baby, one more
time" of Britney Spears," which is ranked the tenth.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANA, April 12 (ATA) - By E. Nepravishta: Albania prime
minister Pandeli Majko met Monday with the Executive Director of the World
Food Program, Katrine Bertini. The meeting discussed about the situation of
the supply of refugees, identification of their primary needs and the
necessity of coordination of the aid in food items which comes from
different directions.

The Ministry of Information reported to ATA that Premier Majko said
the fact that most of the Kosova refugees are women and children,
conditions the food structure of aid. "It is of primary importance for us
to provide the suitable food for children," said PM Majko.

The Albanian Premier stressed that the aid in food items and its
distribution should be carried out in cooperation with the local government.

Bertini said that the Albanian people and government deserve thanks
for the way they have chosen to cope with the grave situation.

"It is important for us to offer humanitarian relief for the exiled
Kosovars and to offer assistance for the families which have sheltered the
refugees," said Bertini, who added that "we must also think of the
assistance that Albania should take after the crisis." /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

KUKES, April 12 (ATA) - By Riza Hoxha: The number of the Kosova
refugees coming through the border checking of Morina in Kukes has been
reduced during Monday.

The spokesman of the Kukes prefecture reported to ATA that only 38
Kosovars have entered the border checking of Mornina.

According to him, the problem is only the evacuation of the exiled
Kosovars, because Kukes is over-fulfilled.

Nearly 151 134 Kosovars have been distributed until now towards the
other districts of Albania. This process continues by army vehicles.

Some 127 000 refugees are actually sheltered in Kukes and its
suburbs. Some 70 of them continue to stay in the open air in tents, while
the other part in the families of citizens in Kukes and nearby villages.
/s.s./mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

Tirana, April 12 (ATA) - By E.Metaj - The humanitarian and financial
cost to pass the situation created after the coming of great number
displaced Kosovars in Albania is reckon to be nearly 800 million dollars.

According to the Albanian Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli nearly
400 000 persons are going to be accommodated till the end of the year with
this sum.

Sources from UNCHR announced the number of the displaced Kosovars to
enter in Albania till Sunday evening, which reached to 310 000 persons.

"A financial packet of 600 million dollars is needed to meet the
humanitarian needs, while for keeping the budget index nearly 200 million
dollars are needed," said the Minister of Finance Angjeli.

All the expenditures done by the state budget till now, the expenditures
to be passed by budget of different Ministries for 1999 and UNCHR, as well
are taken into consideration to define this sum, said the Minister of
Finance Anastas Angjeli.

The negative effects, such as the custom income's situation after
imports' fall, the restriction of native and foreign investments, stopping
of work process in several enterprises, mainly in the mines of northern
area and the fall of the planned incomes in tourism are discussed and
calculated as well.

Some days ago European Community declared in Luxemburg the financial
packet of nearly 250 million EURO for Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro.

150 million EURO will be used as humanitarian aid and 100 million
EURO as a financial support for these countries./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

KORCE, April 12 (ata) - By B Fejzullai: NATO militarymen started on
Monday the setting up of a refugee camp for the people coming from Kosove
in the district of Korce.

The camp underway in Qatrom, 5 km west of Korce, will shelter at
first 5 thousand Kosovars, the spokesman of the prefecture Jovan Katundi
told ATA.

The camp and the whole accommodation of the Kosovars will be defrayed
by the German Government.

Work is going on for three days now for the another camp in Pojske,
near Pogradec, by the lake with the same name. The camp is financed by the
Greek Government. At first 5 thousand Kosovars will be accommodated there,
later the capacity may double according to the needs.

There are 13 thousand Kosovars in the prefecture of Korce so far, and
10 000 of them are in the district of Korce. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ata) - By A Haxhiu: The Democratic Party denounced
on Monday the Serb mortar attacks on the northern Albanian border,
describing it as an aggression of Serbia towards Albania.

The Secretary of the DP Public Relations, Vili Minarolli asked the
U.N. Security Council to investigate into the infliction of the territorial
integrity of Albania and to condemn this Serb aggression.

The DP also urged the Albanian Government to be more active towards
these provocations which have been continuous, describing this stance "as
rather indifferent."

On Sunday, at about 6 p.m. as a result of the heavy artillery strikes
by the Yugoslav forces into the territory of Albania, in village Tropoje e
Vjeter, district of Tropoje, three Albanians were killed and 12 other were
wounded, a part of whom are in a grave situation. lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

Tirana, April 12 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - Albanian Consumer's
Association (ACA) cashed on Monday in Saving Bank a considerable sum
collected from the contributions given for the displaced of Kosova.

The members of this association, beside the contributions in LEK,
collected considerable quantities of food, including sugar, spaghetti, milk,
meat, biscuits, etc, which are distributed in Tirana camp, where a part of
the displaced is sheltered.

The sources stressed that the members of the association in districts
do observation to check the food and the environment of the centers where
the Kosovars are sheltered./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] The people wounded in Tropoje by Serb mortars brought to Tirane
military hospital for intensive medical treatment

TIRANE, April 12 (ata) - By R Xhuvani: The people who were wounded
in Tropoje last Sunday as a result of the Serb mortar strikes on the
Albanian territory are now out of danger for their lives, said to ATA on
Monday the spokesman of the Ministry of Health.

Ten of them were were gravely wounded are taken to the Central
Military Hospital, among whom a foreign reporter who was there to make
coverage of situation in northern Albania. The six others are expected to
arrive in the Central Military Hospital in Tirane after received in the
first medical aid in Tropoje.

Last Sunday, as a result of the Serb artillery strikes in the
Albanian territory, three Albanians were killed and 16 others were wounded.
/lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ata) - By Enkelejda Koraqi: The young recruits of
the battalion of the Military Police in Sauk took the oath on Monday.

The department of Public Relations in the Defence Ministry of Albania
told ATA that present in the oath ceremony of the young recruits were the
Minister of Defence Luan Hajdaraga, the Chief of the Army General Staff,
Brigade General Aleks Andoni, high military officials, military attaches of
some NATO countries, etc.

The Defence Ministers addressed the recruits saying that "the oath of
this effective is taken in a special situation for all our nation."

After the ceremony, the effective of the Military Police Battalion in
Sauk made some exercises with elements of professional character.

The Minister of Defence, Luan Hajdaraga, expressed his thanks and
gratitude to the Italian army which have assisted in the creation, training
and functioning of this important structure of the Albanian army.
/lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

Tirana, April 12 (ata) - By Elton Metaj - Albanian Government during
the period of March 30- April 12 provided for the displaced of Kosova
nearly 16.500 ton humanitarian aid, stated on Monday in a press conference
the Albanian Minister of Information Musa Ulqini.

According to the Minister of Information in this figure is not
included the humanitarian aid distributed all over the country by the
international agencies, like UNHCR and World Program of Food, but only
those which were in Albanian warehouses before March 26, 1999.

In this number is not included the humanitarian aid brought by NATO,
as well.

The humanitarian aid provided by the Atlantic Alliance till April 7,
marked the value of 284 ton.

Humanitarian Aid to enter in Albania during March 30 - April 12, is
provided by different countries such as Italy, Turkey, Germany, Greece, USA,
England, etc. They are taken and distributed by different ministries and
non-government assocations./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Presence of NATO troops in Albania is an indispensable element -
Minister

TIRANE, April 12 (ata) - By Urim Bajrami: Albanian Minister of Public
Order Petro Koci had a meeting on Monday with the commander of the NATO
troops in Albania, Lieutenant General John Reith and the group accompanying
him.

The spokeswoman of the ministry told ATA that the talk focused on the
measures and contribution that NATO troops will make to Albania to cope
with the situation created after the the influx of Kosovars arriving in
Albania.

NATO representatives voiced their readiness to assist in setting up
refugee camps in some zones, with logistics etc.

Minister Koci hailed the initiative of NATO to deploy troops in
Albania. "Their presence here is an indispensable element to preserve the
local stability and security. They will have the assistance, support and
all facilities to accomplish their mission," said Public Order Minister,
Petro Koci. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

GJIROKASTER, April 12 (ata) - By H Cani: Argjiro-Shota is the first
organization of the displaced Kosovars settled in Southern Albania. It will
focus on the correct registration of the Kosovars, will take care of the
proportional distribution of the assistance and to reestablish relations
with the separated families.

According to the leader of this organization, Hajdin Begolli from
Prishtine, the main aim of the structure is to create all facilities and
conditions for the return of the refugees to their homes.

Begolli said that the establishment of this organization following
the barbarous tide of Serbs against Kosova was very indispensable with a
great number of families being split and lost. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Number of Kosovars coming to Albania in past 24 hours has been small -
Minister

TIRANE, April 12 (ata) - By E Nepravishta: Over the past 24 hours,
the number of the Kosovars displaced to the Prefecture of Kukes was 38,
while in the Prefecture of Shkoder 1 270 Kosovars have arrived through Hani
i Hotit crossing post. The total number of the Kosovars in Albania until
March 26 was 298 thousand, the Minister of Information Musa Ulqini told a
news conference on Monday.

With regard to their health situation, Mr Ulqini said that 7 000
children from Kosova in the prefecture of Kukes were vaccinated for measles
and 120 000 doses of vaccines for diphtheria, hooping cough and tetanuses
are made ready for the Kosova children along with 60 thousand doses of
vaccines for adults from Kosove.

According to Ulqini, situation in all refugee camps is under the full
control of medical teams of the Ministry of Health.

This ministry has taken measures for the medical treatment of 16
wounded people in Tropoje yesterday. Ten of them, including a French
reporter, were flied to the Tirana military hospital. Two most seriously
injured are now out of danger and six others, four of whom militarymen, are
being brought to military hospital in Tirane. All of them are out of danger
for their lives.

Minister Ulqini said that the 24 refugee camps and centres adopted to
receive the Kosovars have 31 thousand people in 13 districts of the
country. Work is going on for the creation of 10 big refugee camps which
will accommodate 57 666 Kosova people.

As for the humanitarian aid ensured by the Albanian Government for
the Kosovars, the amount has been 16 500 for the period from March 30-April
12, 1999. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

TIRANE, April 12 (ata) - By E Nepravishta: During Monday there have
been no grave incidents as those on Sunday on the Padesh-Kamenice border,
the Albanian Minister of Information Musa Ulqini told daily news conference
on Monday.

"Until 4 p.m. no shells have fallen in the commune of Tropoje," said
Minister Ulqini, adding that fierce fighting was continuing on the other
side of the border.

Asked about the stance of the Albanian army towards these incidents,
minister Ulqini said that "the Albanian army is carrying out its constitutional
duty to defend the sovereignty of Albania."

Minister Ulqini stated that the Serb troops have not violated the
Albanian border so far and highlighted the calmness on the part of the
Albanian army which "has not fallen into the track of Milosevic."
/lh/xh/